The White Falcon - 19.11.1971, Side 6

New fire truck arrives to aid Rockville firemen
Story & Photos by JOSN I.ance O’Neal
A new fire truck is ready for
action at Rockville. The arrival
of the new unit was followed by a
training session for the site's
24-man volunteer fire department.
The truck, a pumper, replaces
an older tank truck. The pumper
can take water from one of Rock-
ville's fire hydrants or from its
own 600 gallon tank. The unit
can pump 500 gallons a minute.
It was used briefly by the main
base before being turned over, to
Rockville.
Small fires can be controlled
by the new truck until units can
arrive from the main base.
Asst. Chief Haraldur Stefan-
sson said that the truck is "much
lighter, more maneuverable, and
more able to go through rough
terrain."
The volunteers were instructed
on-the use of ladders, pump
equipment, hoses, breathing gear,
and other tools. The breathing
gear is used to rescue victims
from burning buildings.
On hand for the training were
Asst. Chief Stefansson and Ragnar
Ragnarsson, a fire department
pump operator.
The volunteers are divided
into three 8-man teams. They are
trained by the site fire chief
and by the main base fire depart-
ment. The teams train four hours
each month.
Stefansson explained that the
Navy is responsible for the fire
protection of all the military
installations in Iceland. He
also stressed that the protecti
of the equipment and men at Ro>
ville is an important mission.
The recent training session is'
"just a start" according to Stef-
ansson. He said that the train-
ing will continue until "everyone
of the fellas knows how to use
the equipment effectively."
"They are already getting the
hang of it," he added with a
smile.
He
6
November 19, 1971